The rules

If you know Yuma, Arizona at all you know it's home to thousands of retiree's (snowbirds) during the winter months. Including my Mom.

We're visiting her for a few days in her 55 and older retirement park. Here's the sign that greeted us on the way to the pool.

Singer/Songwriter Jenna

Another Rhett and Link Video

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

Imaginary Jesus

Thanks to my good friend Matt Mikalatos and the people at Tyndale publishing I got my grubby little hands on an unedited version of Matt's new book called Imaginary Jesus. There's now easy way to say it, so I'll just say it....I liked it :)

It's a partially true story of the Matt's interaction with his imaginary Jesus's as they race across Portland Oregon and through time. There's a talking donkey and the rugged apostle Peter to keep him company in his quest to find the real Jesus.

I know Matt fairly well, so I know that he's wicked smart and slightly crazy, thus my expectations were set for a ruckus of a good time. Imaginary Jesus did not disappoint. Hilarious at times and deeply moving at times, I found my own wrong perceptions of Jesus challenged. This book taught me theology in way that helped it stick. I heartily recommend this book when it releases this spring.

Pressure

I'm getting all this pressure to update this blog...and be funny.

I can't handle it. Aaaahhhhhh!!!

The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

The Sweet By and By is the story of Jade’s life. She’s a young woman who has a one-eyed, faithful dog, owns a Vintage shop called the Blue Umbrella, has a broken family which has left many scars in her life and soul and is engaged to a wonderful man named Max. Jade and Max decided to leave the past in the past and only move forward into the future together. As the wedding day approaches the past and all the wounds that have been there begin to come to light. In the midst of it all God meets Jade and it begins a new story of redemption and freedom.

Overall I enjoyed this novel and plan on loaning it to others to read. Although I can’t imagine my husband picking it up to read. I found at times that I related so much to Jade and some of her past experiences, fears and desire to leave the past in the past. As a result of working with college students even if I didn’t relate I felt like I have met many people who could. It did a great job of developing the story of Jade’s life, her relationship or lack thereof with her family and the past relationship that broke her heart. It was sweet to see how God pursued Jade throughout her life even though Jade was not willing to see it until the end of the story. The ending seemed a little “too good to be true” but overall I enjoyed the story, how bringing her past to light and inviting God into her life brought healing, freedom and the ability to truly walk ahead into the future.

Please note: This review was written by Jody McComas

The Necky -hahahahaha!!!

Santa Sighting

Santa Sighting
Originally uploaded by mmccomas01

We got a new camera yesterday. Here's my favorite photo so far.

one chance in life

Face-Off With a Deadly Predator

The Hole in the Gospel - Review

Join the bigger story of the whole Gospel! It's waiting for you.

Richard Stearn's book The Hole in the Gospel is a convicting, intense look at the state of the western church. Stearns gives a powerful argument that ought to revamp our understanding of what it means to follow Christ and represent Him to a broken world.

Backing his thoughts with some powerful statistics like the fact that if you make more than 25K a year you're richer than 90% of the worlds population, Stearns makes it well known his belief that the world will not hear our message of Jesus Christ if we don't balance proclamation with demonstration.

This book is a bit long, challenging, intense, and almost overwhelming. At times I wanted to set it down and give up because of how bad everything seems. Other times I was moved to tears and torn up inside about my priorities in life. I believe that the themes in this book must be dealt with, not just in the American church, but in my own life. This book has changed my perspective of what I'm calling people to as I ask them to follow Christ

Bottomline...I recommend it. It's a tad bit long and it could've been about 3 different books, but it's a great place to start the conversation on these themes. If you want to understand the brokennes of the world and how we as followers of Christ can have a part in fixing it, this book is for you.

A Million Mile in a Thousand Years - Review

This book is good!

A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is the best book by Donald Miller since Blue Like Jazz. This book is an easy read and I caught myself laughing out loud multiple times and then reading sections to my wife. I can still picture his roommate Jordan getting pulled around the snowy streets of Portland, Oregon in a kayak and running into a tree.

In this book Donald Miller is awakened from a slump in his life by the chance to edit his own life for a movie. The process leads him into a greater understanding of what makes a life great and worth living. We follow Donald on his adventures hiking Machu Picchu as well as meeting his Dad, who he hasn't seen since childhood. Through these events Donald is forced into greater appreciation of how God wants to shape his story into something great.

This book challenges the current status of life. It’s honest, challenging, thought provoking, hilarious, inspiring and moving. I loved it. You’ll want to go out and ride your bike across America or dig wells for clean water in Africa after reading this. Donald Miller has grown up and I recommend reading this book.

This is a where we're moving this spring!

Apparently in this video it never rains in Portland. Oh well, it looks nice. Wanna join us in Portland next year!